Since the turn of the 21st century, Inflammatory Bowel Disease has become a globally recognized condition. The incidence significantly increases as societies become industrialized. The CDC estimated a 2015 incidence in the United States of approximately 1.3% of adults including 3.1 million with diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. An abnormal immune response to gut microflora leads to flares of GI symptoms that significantly affect quality of life, morbidity, and often cause complications requiring hospitalization and surgery. Patients are increasingly seeking alternatives and adjunct treatments such as cannabis for symptom relief including pain reduction, increased appetite, relieving nausea and diarrhea, managing anxiety, and reducing the need for other medications. The endocannabinoid system has been identified as controlling GI functions including motility, inflammation and permeability, hunger signaling, and gut microflora dynamics that make it an ideal target for symptom management and support of GI health.

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